Fairmount Water Works near Philadelphia


Permanent ID:
14606
Call number:
Bb 88 F 331
Date:
1833
Image Description:
View from the floodgates, i.e. race bridge, looking toward the eastern side of the water works that were originally built between 1812 and 1822 after the designs of Philadelphia engineer Frederick Graff. Shows several park visitors on the bridge who observe one another. Includes couples on promenade; a boy with a hoop; a woman watching two men conversing while holding a sheet of paper; and a family whose daughters meekly peer at an African American couple. Two dogs bark in the direction of the African American woman who sits next to her companion who stands. Pedestrians stroll on the promenade of the mill house, swans glide on the water, and the gazebo on Reservoir Hill is visible. Also shows the engine house, signage advertising "Soda Water, "and the William Rush statuary adorning the works, including "Mercury" atop the gazebo and "Schuylkill Freed" and "Schuylkill Chained" adorning the mill house.
Dimensions:
Width: 36 cm, Height: 25 cm
Related People or Organizations:
Fenderich, Charles (publisher)
Wilde, J. C. (publisher)